American Squatter

When I had to struggle to pay the bloody rent every single month, I asked myself numerous times, “Is housing a commodity or a basic right?”

Mostly we consider it in both ways. That’s why we agree to provide housing at below-market-rates to certain people in need. President Obama also once declared, “it is not acceptable for children and families to be without a roof over their heads in a country as wealthy as ours.”

I think America is one of the most ideal places in the world to squat. In America, squatting has either been tacitly permitted (policemen not evicting squatters) or openly accepted (some cities placing portable toilets and security guards near encampments, a Congresswoman encouraging squatting in foreclosed homes).

Of course, living as a squatter is not always an easy option. Some are squatting in a poor condition property – no water, no power, no toilet, the bath in the kitchen and winter is unbearably cold. But like my squatter Frankie, some are enjoying a free living in a fully furnished house, having hot water, heating and power. Frankie threatened me to stay away, not allowed me to access the house while his utility bills were stacked up to me. He not only enjoys using utilities, he can use them for free while the property owner pays for everything. When I cut the grass, he either called the police against me as a trespasser, or enjoyed my work sitting on the porch smoking his cigarette.

Some squatters like Frankie attempt to take over private homes, temporarily left vacant, and enrage the sense of fair play. Such valuable & generous opportunity (Squatting) shall not be abused to protect the innocent & genuinely needy squatters.